One of the central themes in the book of Ezekiel is the need to have a reverent regard for God’s particular specialness, expressed in the twin ideas of glory and holiness. How do these ideas intertwine in Ezekiel to help us understand why the book was even written at all?
(Preaching through Ezekiel. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on November 3, 2024.)
The word “teacher” had a special meaning in first-century Israel, beyond our normal everyday use of the word. It was the third most common title for Jesus in the gospels, indicating its significance to the people around him. In what way was Jesus “the Teacher” and why is it so important for us?
(Preaching on the work and identity of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on November 3, 2024.)
John opens his gospel with a peculiar title for Jesus: “the Word.” John repeats this title toward the end of the New Testament, in Revelation. What does this title of Jesus mean, and how does it relate to his work and authority?
(Preaching on the work and identity of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 27, 2024.)
“The Son” is a complicated title of Jesus, a shortening of two separate titles, each of which is used in a variety of ways throughout the Bible. How does “Jesus the Son” apply to our own lives? What can we learn from this part of Jesus’s identity?
(Preaching on the identity of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 20, 2024.)
Ezekiel contains many memorable analogies, symbols, and word-pictures, but perhaps none of them is so applicable to the modern Christian as the watchman analogy in Ezekiel 3 and 33. What was this analogy used for in Ezekiel, and how does it apply to us?
(Preaching through Ezekiel. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 13, 2024.)
Having just finished a series on “Developing an Identity in Christ”, we transition to thinking about Christ – who was he? Who is he? Like anyone else, the identity of Jesus is composed of many different facets. We will begin with the most basic part of the identity of Jesus – his Jewishness.
(Preaching on the identity of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 13, 2024.)
We begin our study of Ezekiel (as we usually begin book studies) by examining the historical and political context of Ezekiel’s life and visions. What was going on at the time Ezekiel prophesied, and who was his original audience? How does this matter for the modern reader?
(Preaching through Ezekiel. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 6, 2024. The charts mentioned can be found here and here.)
As we develop our identity in Christ, there is room for us to maintain our unique personality and to develop individual identities as followers of the master. How can we maintain the core of discipleship to Christ while retaining the things that make us who we are? And how does God want to use us personally, as unique individuals?
(Preaching on developing an identity in Christ. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on September 29, 2024.)
We make a lot of decisions about how we present ourselves to the world that we might describe as aesthetics, or style, or a vibe. Does God care how we present ourselves to the world? What role do our aesthetic choices play in cultivating a holy identity in Christ?
(Preaching on developing an identity in Christ. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on September 22, 2024.)
The last five chapters of the book of Judges doesn’t really seem to fit
with the rest of the book. There are no judges, and the stories exist
seemingly devoid of context. But these chapters serve as a conclusion
that reinforces and solidifies the main themes of the book as a whole.
What can we learn from these horrific stories?
(Preaching through Judges. This book was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on September 15, 2024.)
